A Beginner's Guide To Motorcycle Riding Posture

If you’ve only driven a car and never ridden a motorcycle, it may be difficult to understand just how much your posture matters when it comes to riding. Mastering riding posture leads to better control over the motorcycle itself, less fatigue, and an overall better riding experience. If you’re a new rider looking for tips on how to improve your riding posture or an experienced rider in need of a refresher, this guide from Mission City Indian Motorcycle® can help. 

Motorcycle Riding Posture Essentials

Let’s start with the essentials. Keep your back and arms relaxed to comfortably absorb the impact of any bumps you encounter along the road. Your head and chin should be up and facing the direction of travel to maximize your visibility. Our bodies naturally move to align with where we’re looking, so letting your gaze tilt will cause the motorcycle to shift even if you don’t realize it. 

Standard Motorcycle Riding Posture

Next, master the standard motorcycle riding posture. Riders should sit upright, leaning forward by about 5 degrees with their hands positioned lower than their elbows. Knees should be bent at around 100 degrees. This posture is great for beginners since almost any rider can do it and it minimizes strain. This posture is ideal for a typical ride through the city. 

Motorcycle Riding Posture For Long-Distance Trips

Good posture is especially important for long-distance motorcycle trips. Poor ergonomics will tire out your muscles more quickly, making it harder for you to keep riding. Start by keeping your knees bent at around 100 degrees and your hips bent at around 90 degrees. Use this posture anytime you expect to be riding uninterrupted for a long period of time. 

Motorcycle Riding Posture For Racing

When it comes to racing, the important thing is to make yourself as aerodynamic as possible while still maintaining control. High speeds demand quick reaction times, after all. Get low and lean forward. Your knees need to be at a right angle (aka 90 degrees), with your hips kept at a 

75 degree angle. Tuck your feet back as far as possible, with your whole body positioned so that you’re almost “hugging” your motorcycle.

Shop our inventory of new and pre-owned motorcycles at Mission City Indian Motorcycle®. We’re proud to serve nearby communities like San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi, Texas. Feel free to visit us online or at our dealership in Boerne, Texas.